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What's in an OS - would you buy a "hackintosh"?
There's been much ado on the internet lately regarding an American company called Psystar producing, or at least claiming to produce, inexpensive computers that run Apple's OS X operating system. Recent developments include a video at Gizmodo purporting to show one of the so called "open computers" booting up and, after a very PC-like BIOS screen, loading OS X.
The outcry surrounding Psystar, complete with claims that the whole thing is some sort of Hoax, is rather predictable for several reasons. Many have pointed out that Apple doesn't currently - although it used to - license other companies to run its operating systems on their hardware (Psystar reportedly claims that it considers Apple's EULA to be a violation of monopoly laws). Others have noted that it's not particularly difficult for technically savvy computer users who know how to build a PC to create the same thing - a so-called hackintosh - themselves using information that's widely available on the web. Finally, many have pointed out that the Psystar computers are not capable of using Apple's Software Update utility, so fixing security or other problems with OS X could be problematic.
Others claim that, despite these problems, it's good to have the option of buying an easily expandable mid-price desktop computer that runs Mac OS X on their choice of monitor - something notably absent from Apple's own range, which currently jumps from the svelte but hardly spacious all-in-one iMac to the powerful but pricey Mac Pro. And it appears that several people have put their money where their mouths are by ordering from Psystar.
We will, of course, keep monitoring Psystar and keep you updated on any developments. In the meantime, what do you think: would you buy an OS X computer from a third party, would you prefer to build one yourself, or is OS X only a worthwhile purchase when it's running on original Apple hardware?
Posted by Tom Royal on April 29, 2008 | Permalink
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I like Apple's computers, my main computer is a Macbook, but there are holes in Apple's product line. I have a Sony UMPC that dual boots Windows XP and OS X Tiger. Since Apple's idea of a subnootebook is huge, I don't really have a suitable option from them.
However, I don't think the Psystar is a good deal. By the time you add Leopard, it's $554, without a monitor, FireWire, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, the iLife software, etc. and you won't be able to upgrade the OS. You can't even reinstall the OS without sending it back to Psystar and paying $50. I would much rather have a refurbished iMac or even a Mac mini if I didn't need a lot of power. Building one yourself would also be a good alternative if you are up to it.
Posted by: Bob D | Apr 29, 2008 5:20:37 PM
As usual the brain dead press can't even go to Apple's site to see the Mac Mini selling for $599.00 and you can attach any monitor you want. It will also run Windows, Mac, any UNIX or Lynux all at the SAME TIME. Not only that but is is Apple warrantied and Apple quality. You would have to be completely stupid to pay way more for some hacked Mac wannabe that can't be updated.
This level of ignorance is typical of the moronic media and their clones retarded PC drones who perpetually moan and piss about no choice from Apple. Get a clue this is why you morons are hated by Mac users and why we think your just too stupid for words.
Posted by: Martha | Apr 29, 2008 6:11:13 PM
Bob D. is right. Why would anyone buy this when a Mac mini is cheaper. Also, the article suggests that this is new to buy an 'inexpensive' Mac. That is lame, Apple machines, when compared to similar, yet generic PC hardware are often cheaper than , for example, a Dell. Macs are no more expensive, they just run a better OS and a far greater range of software.
Posted by: Brian | Apr 29, 2008 6:36:20 PM
But there is no "mid-range" tower, ie a slot expandable box, although I think for ~85% of consumers the iMac or even a MacBook would make a dandy machine, ~9% powerusers will want/need a MacPro tower or even an Xserve.
Then there are the ~1% of folks are hardware hackers/DIY types who want something in-between.
I suspect most companies/consumers that buy expandable small form factor Dells only open them to add more RAM or upgrade the hard drive (it would be nice to see some numbers on this). It is simpler and cheaper to get a new model, transfer the data, then chuck the machine. My last place of work did this, having a contract with Dell to rotate new machines in and old machines out every 3 years. Probably not ecologically friendly but at least business efficient.
I too would like to see something smaller than the MacBook Air but the Macbook does okay.
And there are some elegant, if more pricey than a barebones), expansion setups for the Mac mini like the miniStacks.
...then again, who needed Yet Another MP3 player when the iPod came out or Yet Another Smart Phone when the iPhone came out.
Posted by: bd909 | Apr 29, 2008 6:53:54 PM
Thanks for all your comments.
@Bob D – yes, good points. I’m not convinced that the Psystar is good value, but it is an interesting alternative that might attract some users who aren’t up to building their own hackintosh.
@Martha – actually, this member of the “brain dead press” is writing from London, UK, where the Mini costs £399 (xe.com conversion: $785). So, even with the extras that Bob mentions above, the Psystar is considerably cheaper. And, as I mentioned, it’s a rather more extensible beast than the Mini. Also, I use both Macs and PCs – does that make me half a “moron”? ;)
@Brian – I didn’t say that all Macs were expensive; I said that there is no mid-range expandable Mac that can be used with the buyer’s choice of monitor. And this is true – the Mini, iMac and Mac Pro are all good computers, but the type of computer being offered here – inexpensive but with room for internal expansion – is absent from the Apple range. But, having said that…
@bd909 – you’re quite right to say that some meaningful data on how many consumers actually want an inexpensive tower such as this one would be useful.
Posted by: Tom Royal | Apr 29, 2008 8:06:51 PM
